For those of you who have complained about the lack of blogging recently, my bad. Pretty much I’ve just been compiling articles after each event waiting for the right time to post them. UFC 116 was the culmination of a very busy 6 weeks of fights so I’ve thrown everything together in a mega-blog. So get cozy at your desk or in your favorite recliner and enjoy.

UFC 116

Brock Lesnar is still the toughest s.o.b. around. Yes, because he declared it in his post fight interview, but also due to withstanding a first round ass kicking from Shane Carwin and came back to win. In one of the most anticipated comebacks in UFC history, Lesnar came to the cage after a year layoff to face his stiffest competition yet. Shane Carwin, the interim champion, had something to prove in his own right. Despite his 12-0 record with all 1st round finished, many questioned his stamina and ability to deal with fights extending past the first 5 minutes. He was also viewed by some as a “make believe” champion; winning the interim title in Lesnar’s absence. Taking these factors into account, along with a multitude of others, the stage was set for a classic battle.

Carwin received a solid reaction from the crowd when Bruce Buffer announced his name. Lesnar received more of a mixed reaction but there were less boos than usual. Even those who booed seemed to only do so because over the last 3 years they’ve previously determined “we should boo this man.”

Both fighters seemed cautious at first, wary of the other’s weapons. Brock shot in for a takedown but Carwin was able to quickly stand up. Not soon after Shane connected with an uppercut that sent the champion stumbling backwards while covering up. Carwin rushed forward and connected with more punches that brought Brock to the canvas. With his opponent pressed against the cage, the interim champ unleashed a fury of ground and pound. Over the next 2 minutes Lesnar took a beating that would have finished most fighters, or been stopped by most refs, but he withstood the pounding and survived the round. This was easily a 10-8 round as Shane completely dominated Brock in a way we’d yet to see.

There has been some discussion as to whether the fight should have been stopped. I agree with the opinion if this was another fight, with another ref, that this could or should have been stopped. I feel in a title fight of such magnitude that someone needs to have the hell beat out of them for things to be stopped. Before the fight, Josh Rosenthal went into each fighters dressing room and told them if they’re in trouble on the ground he’ll give them 3 warnings before stopping the fight. From reports whenever Rosenthal warned Brock he responded by moving.

Before the 2nd round began Carwin winked and smiled at Brock. Lesnar responded with a smile of his own. The 2 high fived in the middle of the octagon then it was on. Lesnar quickly got a takedown and got inside control. He then transitioned to full mount. The crowd roared then to the surprise of many moved into side control for an arm triangle as opposed to using ground and pound. A sound strategy as Lesnar squeezed his foe with all his might forcing a tap out. The champion quickly stood with his hand raised in the air, danced around the ring while hitting himself in the chin to say “yeah I can take a beating and keep coming” then scaled the cage wall. In his interview he wasn’t the defiant heel we saw at UFC 100 but more humble, yet demonstrative. Brock thanked many, explained how he survived the 1st round, and all the people rejoiced.

Carwin said after the fight that he thought he had Brock beat but he’s a tough son of a bitch. He had nothing but respect for the champ and said he’d be back. Classy in defeat.

Chris Leben and Yoshihiro Akiyama beat the hell out of each of other and I enjoyed every moment of it. I have not been a Leben fan ever since TUF 1 but I have to admit that bastard slightly changed my opinion in this fight. Leben came to the cage dancing like a crazy man to ‘Love Rollercoaster’ after only a 2 week layoff from his last fight; a victory over Aaron Simpson.

Akiyama came to the cage in his typical very ceremonial style. He and his entourage kneeled then bowed in unison before marching to the ring. Quite the contrast in entrances. A funny moment happen when after both men were given instructions and told to touch gloves by ref Herb Dean both men just stood there. Akiyama didn’t understand the instructions and Chris didn’t know whether his opponent wanted to touch. Eventually they did and it was time to mix it up.

In the first round the men started off by exchange strikes. Leben utilized a lot of kicks while Yoshihiro worked with his hands. 2 minutes in Akiyama took Chris to the mat with a Judo throw. Leben attempted an armbar from the bottom but upon losing it nearly got stuck in an inverted triangle then armbar. After both returned to their feet Akiyama ended the round with another takedown throw. 10-9 Akiyama

The 2nd round was f’n incredible. The 2 fighters threw defense out the window and just pounded on each other for 5 minutes. Leben rocked Akiyama, Akiyama rocked Leben, Leben clocked Akiyama, Akiyama clocked Leben. I think you get the point. Yoshihiro got a takedown but did little damage before Chris got back on his feet. I had Akiyama winning the round up until the last minute when Leben landed about 4 of 5 solid punches. Apparently these men have chins of granite. 19-19

Akiyama looked quite tired coming out for the 3rd. He managed a takedown and did nothing in Leben’s close guard. Leben threw some punches from bottom then locked in an armbar that nearly brought a tap out. Chris found himself on his back again but was the more aggressive of the 2, throwing double punches, elbows from all angles, and whatever else he could come up with. As the round drew to a close Leben locked in a triangle out of nowhere. Akiyama tired to hang on but due to exhaustion and the tightness of the choke he tapped with 20 seconds left. This fight was pretty damn awesome.

Leben cut a crazy post-fight promo calling out Wanderlei Silva then danced and sang his way back to the locker room.

An exhausted Akiyama did his best to answer Joe Rogan’s questions but due to his lack of energy and English he was tough to understand.

The main event between Fedor Emelianenko and Fabricio Werdum didn’t last long but what it lacked in length it made up for in impact (out of context that line could be fairly amusing). Fedor dropped him quickly then dove in looking to finish the fight. He nearly got caught in an armbar right away but escaped. Instead of standing he continued to work in Werdum’s guard. Fabricio threw his legs up and sinked in a triangle. He added to the submission by putting on an armbar as well. The mighty Fedor fought, struggled, battled, but finally had no choice but to tap. 10 years without a loss and the great Fedor tapped in 1 minute and 7 seconds. I read the results of this fight before actually seeing it. I had to double check my blackberry to make sure I wasn’t seeing things. Following the win, Werdum and his team went crazy as did the crowd. Fedor didn’t seem bothered by the loss, he just stood there with this typical Fedor expression. He said the loss was all part of God’s will.

The Ultimate Fighter season 11 finale saw Team Liddell’s Court McGee face off against Kris McCray of Team Ortiz for the 6 figure contract and title of the ultimate fighter. As expect McGee had his way with McCray. He used his size and strength advantage to get takedowns and maintain dominant positions. In the 2nd round, after another takedown, Court took Kris’s back and tapped him out with a rear naked choke. Following his win he cut an emotional promo and dedicated his win to anyone who’s struggled, his family, his team, and Chuck. A great story here for a guy who nearly died from a drug overdose then turned his life around. I’m happy for McGee but this guy does nothing for me in terms of wanting to see him fight. Best of luck going forward fella.

The semi-main event saw Matt Hamill against Keith Jardine. Both these men came in looking to get back on track. In his last fight Hamill was dominated by Jon Jones but won via DQ from an illegal elbow. Jardine had lost his last 3 fights and was in desperate need of a win. Unfortunately for Jardine he lost this one via close decision. Shortly there after he received his walking papers.

Strikeforce had a show from LA that didn’t wow me. I’ll take the high road and not comment on how bush league this show looked. No knock on the fighters because they did their job but Strikeforce just looks so 2nd rate. Rinky-dink ring entrances, crappy interviews, and production flaws are all key ingredients in presenting a “we don’t know what we’re doing” MMA show. On to the fights results:

UFC 115 will be remembered for the last fight of The Iceman’s UFC career. Late in the 1st round, Rich Franklin clipped Liddell with a short counter uppercut that put Chuck to sleep for the final time. Up until that point the fight was very entertaining, with Liddell holding a slight advantage showing off his re-tuned striking. About 2 minutes in Franklin blocked Liddell’s head kick attempt but the force broke his forearm. Rich is a tough bastard to fight on through such an injury. As the round drew to a close Chuck caught Ace with a good combination. He moved in for the kill, throwing wildly and landing occasionally. Then just like that it was over for the Iceman.

Since the fight Dana White has gone on record saying Chuck won’t fight again. We’ve heard this before so time will tell if his word will hold true.

Pat Barry and Mirko Cro Cop battled in an enjoyable contest. Leading up to the fight these men met, dined together, and from all accounts became the best of pals. Barry got the better of his new buddy in the first. He dropped Mirko twice and broke his cheek bone in the process but didn’t take advantage. Out of no where the 2 men stopped fighting and hugged, yes hugged, in the middle of the round. What the hell?!? Don’t hug, hit each other!

In the 2nd round Cro Cop came out with a fire in his belly. He threw punches and kicks aggressively, looking to put a beating on this young lion. After doing damage standing he brought Barry to the ground and worked him over there as well. The 3rd looked similar to the 2nd as Mirko gained and advantage standing then in grappling. Barry is awful on the ground. I’m talking about 2nd week of bjj class bad. Cro Cop got his back late in the round and tapped him out with a rear naked choke. For Mirko a victory and submission of the night made his night a productive one. For Mr. Barry he’ll leave with a few important lessons learned, get better on the ground and don’t take Mr. Filipovich’s friendship as a sign of weakness. He will still send you to the hospital or cemetery if given the chance.

In his hometown, Rory MacDonald debuted against former WEC champion Carlos ‘The Natural Born Killer” Condit. These two fighters went toe to toe and for their efforts earned the fight of the night bonus. In the 1st and 2nd round MacDonald came out firing, aggressive on his feet and consistently scoring takedowns. The young fighter clearly won the first round and controlled about half of the 2nd until The Natural Born Killer began going to work. Unfortunately for the 20 year old his fortune turned in the 3rd round. After a stern talking to by corner man Greg Jackson, Condit came out with killer instinct and put it on young Rory. Carlos spent the last 2 minutes of the round on top of MacDonald pounding on his face. With about 8 seconds left in the round the referee stepped in and called an end to the action. Despite the anger of those in attendance, MacDonald said that the stoppage was warranted because he was getting his ass kicked. Even with the loss MacDonald had a great showing for himself in his octagon debut.

Mac Danzig got screwed in his “loss” to Matt Wiman. Wiman had a guillotine choke in the mount mid-way through the first round. Danzig fought the hold off initially then relaxed for a moment as he didn’t feel in danger . When Mac relaxed Wiman thought he was out and let referee Yves Lavigne know. Yves stopped the fight but Danzig was far from out. Mac hopped up immediately and contested the decision. When Wiman realized what he happen he also disputed the call too. However the call had been made and the fight was ended. Lavigne looked bad here but from the angle he was standing I’ll give him a break. Hopefully we’ll see a rematch as these 2 have unfinished business.

Oh yeah, almost forgot, I got my UFC 118 tickets for August 28 from the TD Bank Garden in Boston. Of course my UFC partner in crime, my sister, will be in attendance with me along with a few others. If you’re attending the show let me know and maybe we can meet up for an adult beverage or something.